Multipurpose wheeled vehicles comprise the core of tactical wheeled vehicle fleets of any armed forces in the world. In Ukraine, Kremenchuk Automobile Plant (otherwise known as AvtoKrAZ) is the leading manufacturer of multipurpose wheeled vehicles. KrAZ trucks for special purposes are well known in more than 40 countries worldwide. They have performed different missions for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and in peace-keeping operations in Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Today AvtoKrAZ doesn’t stop there and continues to provide Ukrainian and foreign customers with its high-quality products.
Modern KrAZ vehicles have 33 basic models, more than 150 modifications and 1000 different configurations for two-, three- and four-axle KrAZ trucks. The most famous models are: basic KrAZ-6322 “Soldier”, special weapon attack team truck KrAZ-5233VЕ “Spetsnaz”, KrAZ-5233НЕ, heavy multi-purpose vehicle KrAZ-6322 HMPV-A, pyrotechnic vehicle KrAZ-63221 “Deminer”, special purpose recovery-repair truck KrAZ-63221-SARM-В, truck tractor KrAZ-6446, fuel truck AC-12, semitrailer KrAZ-Н251Н2, etc. Because of their features, Ukrainian security forces intensively exploit different models of KrAZ truck for wide spectrum of purpose.
AvtoKrAZ together with Canadian armoured vehicles manufacturer Streit Group developed Shrek family MRAP vehicles
After the start of the Russian aggression in 2014 Kremenchuk Automobile Plant significantly expanded its line of products.
Together with Canadian armoured vehicles manufacturer Streit Group, AvtoKrAZ started developing Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. These include the Shrek family of mine resistant ambush protected vehicles.
The Shrek APC is offered in three configurations - the KrAZ - Personnel Carrier (MPV TC), KrAZ - Ambulance and KrAZ - RCV (route clearance vehicle equipped with a rake-type articulated robotic arm used for route proving). The design of the Shrek MRAP vehicle is based on a KrAZ-5233 4x4 all-terrain military truck. The vehicle features a V-shaped hull and provides B6+/STANAG 4569 LEVEL 2 ballistic protection. It is fitted with a central tire pressure regulation system, and run-flat inserts are installed in the tires.
The Kraz-Feona, a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, is based on the Kraz-6322 high mobility truck chassis with a 6x6 configuration
The KrAZ MPV TC (Shrek One) is equipped with advanced weapons and self-defense equipment (both active and passive). Armor system of this MRAP vehicle provides all-round protection against Soviet 7.62x39 mm armor-piercing ammunition as well as shell splinters and grenade shrapnel. The vehicle has a V-shaped hull. It withstands blasts equivalent to 14 kg of TNT under any wheel, or 7 kg of TNT anywhere under the hull. The KrAZ MPV is powered by turbocharged diesel engine developing 330 hp. It can be Deutz or Cummins diesel engines. Windows are made of multilayer bulletproof glass with a polycarbonate inner layer.
The KrAZ-Hulk is based on the KrAZ-5233 MRAP off road chassis. The difference between Hulk and Shrek is in absence of frame. All the units are secured directly on the monocoque
The KrAZ - RCV is used for route-proving, disposing of discovered mines, IEDs and other explosives. The vehicle is fitted with a high-tech Grasping rake-type articulated robotic arm used to handle suspicious items from a distance. The crew can safely investigate anything the arm can reach out to 20 meters away. The robotic arm can manipulate payloads of up to 200 kg. Optional equipment includes remotely controlled Air Digger and Water Disruptor. The first Shrek vehicles in various configurations have been delivered to the United Nations. The vehicles are currently used in civil protection and road clearance missions in Mali and other crisis areas in Africa.
At IDEX-2015 International Defense Exhibition that took place in the United Arab Emirates, AvtoKrAZ, partnered with Canadian Streit Group, unveiled two new models of armored trucks dubbed as Kraz-Feona and Kraz-Hurricane.
The Kraz-Feona, a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, is based on the Kraz-6322 high mobility truck chassis with a 6x6 configuration, while the Kraz-Hurricane is based on the 8x8 Kraz-7634HE engine-behind-cab truck chassis. Both vehicles are provided with Cummins engine mated to an Allison automatic transmission, and offer Stanag 4569 Level 2 protection.
The Kraz-Hurricane is designed for operation in a modern battlefield environment. The Kraz-Hurricane is powered by a Cummins ISME 385 10.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 380 hp. It is mated to an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission. The Hurricane accommodates commander, driver, plus 12 troops seated in the passenger compartment. The vehicle has a V-shaped hull that deflects mine blasts away from the passengers. It withstands explosions equivalent to 10 kg of TNT. AvtoKrAz intends to use the Hurricane as a lineup of other armored vehicles.
The Kraz-Hurricane is based on the 8x8 Kraz-7634HE engine-behind-cab truck chassis and offers Stanag 4569 Level 2 protection
It should be noted that under the license from Canadian company Streit Group the AvtoKrAZ also produces light armored vehicles Spartan 4x4 and Cougar LAV 4x4.
The Spartan 4x4 APC is based on Ford F550 chassis. The first prototype of Spartan APC was built at Streit Group in Ontario (Canada), and unveiled at IAV armored vehicles show in February 2013. In August 2014, a Spartan vehicle was shown at Ukraine's Independence Day in Kiev.
The vehicle incorporates a conventional layout with engine in the front, driver's station in the middle and troop compartment in the rear. It has seats for several soldiers, in addition to its crew of two. The welded hull is made of steel armor plates inclined at an angle, offering CEN Level BR6 (7.62x51 mm NATO caliber at a range of 10 m) protection for the crew and passengers. The roof of the vehicle can be fitted with weapons stations and turrets of different types armed with a 7.62 mm/12.7 mm machinegun or an automatic 40 mm grenade launcher. Weighing almost 8t, the Spartan 4x4 APC is motorized by FORD TD V8 400 hp 6.7L turbo diesel engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. With a 257L fuel tank, the vehicle is capable of speeds up to 110 km/h.
The KrAZ-Spartan self-driving armoured vehicle is operated by a tablet, a smart glove or an operator control station
The Spartan APC vehicles have been used by Ukrainian forces in combat activity in the east of Ukraine. In early August 2014, 22 Spartan vehicles were ordered for production and delivery to National Guard of Ukraine. The first ten vehicles, equipped with Luch State Design Bureau's Sarmat turrets, were delivered on 22 October 2014. On 30 December 2014, 15 Spartan vehicles armed with 12.7mm machineguns were ceremonially handed over to a Ukrainian Army unit by the President of Ukraine.
The first prototype of the Cougar vehicle was demonstrated at IAV armored vehicles expo in February 2013. Being smaller than the Spartan APC, Cougar LAV offers similar performances in terms of ballistic armor protection and weapons load. Options for engine include inline 6 cyl Toyota engines developing 218, 228 or 240 hp.
The first 20 Cougar LAVs were ordered for production and delivery to National Guard of Ukraine in August 2014. Two Cougar vehicles were fielded with Ukrainian Army's Poltava territorial defense battalion, and 47 vehicles were delivered to State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in November 2014.
Also AvtoKrAZ is working on the creation of new models of military vehicles. During Arms and Security 2016 military exhibition (Kiev, Ukraine) AutoKrAZ showed two new models of its vehicles - KrAZ-Hulk armored frameless military offroad vehicle and the first Ukrainian self-driving vehicle KrAZ-Spartan.
KrAZ-Hulk is based on the KrAZ-5233 MRAP off road chassis. The difference between Hulk and Shrek is in absence of frame. All the units are secured directly on the monocoque. GVW has been reduced to 16 tones (from 18 tones of Shrek). In order to improve ergonomics and performance of the vehicle its height and access heights have been reduced too. The V-shaped hull helps to deflect upward directed blast. Ballistic protection meets STANAG 4569 level 2 while mine protection meets STANAG 4569 level 2а and 2b (landmine explosion (6 kg of TNT) under any wheel or bottom).
The 310 hp turbocharged engine delivers speed of up to 90 km/h and ensures high performance at extreme temperatures ranging from - 45 to + 450C. The Hulk’s capacity is: 12 crewmembers.
The KrAZ-Spartan self-driving armored vehicle is based on the KrAZ Spartan. It can transport ammunition, food, fuel and medicines to the combat zone and can also carry wounded troops to hospitals.
The indigenously developed Pilotdrive system on the KrAZ-Spartan integrates a range of special sensors for detecting the surrounding area. The sensors suite includes an infrared camera with automatic target designation and acquisition capability, a 360° field of view video camera, front and rear radars for obstacle detection, distance measuring device, capacitive sensor with detection range of 18m, and signaling system. The Pilotdrive system enables the vehicle to measure the width of the road and detect obstacles on the route.
The KrAZ-Spartan autonomous vehicle is operated by a tablet, a smart glove or an operator control station. The real-time information is transferred between control station and vehicle, through WiFi/Wimax wireless networks with a range from 10km to 50km. The preliminary control functions including stop, autopilot and return home allow the operator to choose an appropriate mode in case of loss of communication with the unmanned vehicle.
Considered all, it should be also noted that, besides delivery its products to Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard or Border Troops, AutoKrAZ participate in training events of these authorities. The company is conscious how important it is to have a feedback, an interaction between manufacturer and customer for better combat readiness and effectiveness of the country.
